Psalms 111:9

Commentary on Psalms 111:9 (KJV)

Psalms 111:9: "He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name."

Context

Psalm 111 is an acrostic psalm, meaning each line (or half-line in Hebrew) begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a hymn of praise, extolling God's great works, His faithfulness, and His righteous character. The psalm moves from a general declaration of praise to specific attributes and actions of God, culminating in the profound statement about His name in verse 9, which immediately precedes the declaration that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalms 111:10).

Key Themes

• God's Redemptive Work: The verse begins by highlighting God's active intervention to deliver His people. This speaks to historical acts of liberation, such as the Exodus from Egypt, and prophetically points to a greater spiritual redemption through Jesus Christ. God is not distant but intimately involved in saving His people from bondage.
• The Everlasting Covenant: God's faithfulness is underscored by the phrase "he hath commanded his covenant for ever." This refers to the enduring and unbreakable nature of God's promises and agreements with humanity, from the covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, ultimately culminating in the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrifice. God's word and His commitments are eternal and unchanging.
• The Holiness and Reverence of God's Name: The concluding declaration, "holy and reverend [is] his name," emphasizes God's absolute purity, moral perfection, and majestic transcendence. His "name" represents His entire being, character, and authority. To say His name is "reverend" (from the Hebrew nora, meaning "awesome" or "fear-inspiring") means it evokes deep awe, respect, and worship, acknowledging His unique position above all creation.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "redemption" (פְּדוּת - pedut) carries the idea of deliverance, ransom, or liberation from bondage, often at a cost. It highlights God's active role as a rescuer.
• "Covenant" (בְּרִית - berit) signifies a binding agreement or pact, often initiated by God and involving promises and obligations. The phrase "commanded... for ever" (לְעוֹלָם - le'olam) stresses its eternal and unwavering nature.
• "Reverend" in the KJV translates the Hebrew word נוֹרָא (nora), which literally means "fearful," "awesome," or "dreadful." It conveys a sense of profound awe and respect that God's majesty and power inspire, rather than mere terror. It suggests that God's name is worthy of the highest veneration.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's character and His unchanging nature. For believers today, it encourages:

• Trust in God's Deliverance: We can trust that the same God who sent redemption in the past continues to deliver His people from sin, despair, and oppression.
• Confidence in God's Promises: His everlasting covenant assures us that His promises are steadfast and reliable, providing a firm foundation for faith and hope.
• Reverence and Worship: Recognizing the holiness and awesome nature of God's name should inspire deep reverence, humble worship, and a desire to honor Him in all aspects of life. It reminds us that God is not to be taken lightly but approached with profound respect and adoration.